Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1887-06-11
w. c. T. U. COLUMN.
Edited and Compiled by the Women's
Christian Temperance Union.

We are glad to note the presence of
u faithful and honored president,
Mrs. Meriwether, among us, even as
a temporary resident. We regret
that her numerous appointments will
deprive us of the benefit of her talent
and counsel in our regular meetings.
But as she works abroad, let us work
at home. Our cause is engaging the
attention of the first people every.
where. Ministers, lawyers, states
men, in short, professional men of all
classes, as well as the noble, sturdy
sons of toll, are giving it their best
time and talent. Foremost in the
conflict r our cultured, christian
women. Ladies of the w. G. 7. u,
and of McMinnville in general, let us
not be found in the ear ranks. If
this be worthy any effort, it is wor-
thy our best. If it be Gods cause,
we cannot, without sin, maintain
silence or neutrality on the subject.
At least, we can give it our words
and prayers. In all other good
works, the women of FOUR fair Noun
tain City" are ever foremost. Can
they prove derelict in this crisis-a
crisis that involves the homes, the
happiness, the eternal destinies of
countless immortal souls? God for
bid. In His own mysterious way
may he move upon our hearts and
kindle an enthusiasm not too excess
sive to endure, nor too mild to secure
the best results.
1t is with,[sincere regret that the
Band of Hope" gives up for a time
at least, the faithful and valued SER
vices of disappointment, Prof. w.
E. Bell. The w. c. T. o., desires to
thank him.for his pains-taking labor,
and to wish him a glad vacation and
a speedy return.
The temperance cause has suffered
the loss, by death, of a faithful work
er and author, Miss Grace Strong.
She died in Atlanta, some days since.
She will be kindly remembered and
truly mourned by the friends made
during a short sojourn here last fall.
1t is said by those who should
know that if the amendment to the
constitution fails to carry, it will be
ten years before another chance will
be given to vote for it. If this should
be true,s in ten years how many
mounds will be heaped over heart
broken wives and mothers? How
many noble boys will fall a victim
to strong drink? How many pure
hearted, laughter-loving girls will sit
in Swallowed homes? Christian men,
would you have their wrecked lives
crying out: "You might have saw
ed us if you would"
My brothers you hold the ballot
over the homes of Tennessee. We
do not clamor for woman suffrage,
butwed do beg you on our knees, to do
your duty in this matter! When you
remember that strong drink fills our
iails, and aims houses and that its
hereditary influence will weaken in
tellects of future generations; when
you consider the power this evil has
welded in 'overthrowing other
mighty nations in the past, will you
not render the age'in which you live
blessed, by doing your utmost to
avert such a fate to our beautiful
America
1 do not doubt that the women
most sincere in this work, love the
quiet %seclusion' of their homes, as
much as the woment of a generation
past. But we are pushed by a great
purpose. It is beautiful to see a wild
beast place herself before any danger
to protect the life of her young!
What is it then, when women,
whom. God has ordained in his wis
dom, should go down to the gates OF
death to wear the crown of mother
hood, places herself before the mon
ster of intemperance, which would
devour not only the life, but the soul
of her offspring?
Let us be moved by reason and less
by custom. Let us have the courage
Of u convictions and ply it with
arduous earnestneSS.
a" Strike till the last armed foe expires;
Strike! for your affairs and your fires;
Strike! for the green graves of your sires,
God, and your native land.
KATE COOPER CALLAwAY,
Pres. Concord w. G. T. q.
Newsy Tldings of the Prohibition Con.